Snowbound. Send Chocolate.
So, we’ve been snowbound for two days. It’s been fairly productive. Today we made bread, I finished the disaster of a scarf I’ve been trying to knit, and I managed to clear the driveway with the snow blower without losing a limb. (If you’re reading this, Dad, all safety procedures were followed. Mostly. There’s supposed to be a spark when you turn the ignition key, right?) I’d show you a picture of all of the above, but I’m too exhausted.
Which is by way of explaining why I’m a little behind on this posting this. (Remember? I said I had a book giveaway today?)
I have been very lucky as a writer. I’ve met incredibly generous people, people who freely gave of their time to make me a better writer. Ellen Meister is at the top of that list. About 10 years ago, I joined a writing forum where you could post your stories and have them critiqued. I was fortunate enough to have one of my stories catch Ellen’s eye, and she gave me fabulous feedback on it. She also took the time to electronically introduce me around the forum to other established literary writers, such as Mary Akers and Katrina Denza, who all treated me like a kid sister, letting me pal around and learn from them. It’s an experience for which I’m very grateful.
The Other Life
It’s amazing to me, but Ellen and I are going to be sharing shelf space this year. In the time I’ve known Ellen, she’s published two books, both of which have been smart and funny. (She’s an overachiever like that.) But it’s her third book — The Other Life — that I think is going to catapult her into becoming a household name. It’s about a woman, Quinn, who gets some devastating news about the baby she’s carrying. But unlike most people, Quinn has a choice – she can escape to a parallel life, one that’s glamorous and exciting, in which there’s no hint of any problems and in which her beloved mother is still alive. The catch? If she chooses that world, she must say goodbye to her husband and young son — forever.
I was lucky enough to get my hands on an advanced copy of this book a few months ago. But I think it is so well written that I want to share it, so I’ve ordered an extra copy. To win it, leave a comment before Tuesday, and I’ll randomly choose a winner. (Bonus points if your comment involves another life that includes chocolate, red wine, and cute British movie stars.)
This sounds like such an amazing book! Chocolate, red wine, and cute British movie stars? You’ve just described my perfect Friday movie night 🙂
Woohoo! I saw the trailer for this and became intrigued. I’d love to have my name entered, thanks.
i too have found such support in the writing
community. this novel sounds intriguing. congrats
to ellen!
Ooooh, I have you covered in the red wine department! I shared a really good Cabernet with some friends last night. No chocolate though.
James Mason was one of my childhood heroes, does that count? Captain Nemo, baby!
Ellen’s book sounds awesome! The thing is, in my experience, we all may have our petty jealousies (or maybe that’s just me) but most writers, in my experience, are generous people who like to help each other out. I’ve been helped by some incredible, talented authors, and I feel like returning the favor is the least I can do.
Darling Liz, this is so very generous of you!!! I’m so glad you liked the book and really appreciate that you’re doing a giveaway.
Here’s my big news: I have a copy of Evenfall right on top of my reading pile!!! I’m as slow as molasses, but it’s up next and I can hardly wait!
xo
I’m so excited for this book! I read Confessions of the Applewood PTA last September and was thoroughly impressed. And I will definitely be checking your work out as well- sounds like you had some great mentors!
Also, I have to agree that a parellel world involving wine, chocolate and cute British movie stars sounds pretty appealing- especially if you throw in some kind of magic that makes drinking and eating said wine and chocolate actually cause you to lose weight . . . Hey, I can dream can’t I? 😉
I think Sean is Scottish, maybe. Does that count? But I’m up for Christmas chocolate, especially if it helps you lose weight (maybe as it ages the calories evaporate…)
I am anxiously awaiting the release of The Other Life. I would love to win a copy. Have plenty of chocolate left over from Christmas and a bottle of wine in the fridge. Not too sure about British movie stars, my favorite Brit is Sean Connery.
Sounds like a fabulous read! I don’t know about another life, but I get my fair share of red wine and chocolate in this one. Still working on the British movie star thing.
I can’t wait for this book to come out! I have already suggested it for book of the month for the book club that I am in.
Sometimes I wish I had (an)Other Life. Pick me Liz! Pick me!
We just got a new bed for Harley — now there’s a (good) life!
Thanks for doing this giveaway. The book sounds intense!
Hmmm…chocolate and Clive Owen. Snowbound and red wine. Does that all count?
Yep — Clive counts!
The premise sounds really intriguing! I’ve tried reinventing myself a few times by moving across the country, but I keep ending up with the same baggage. hmm.
Like Other Lisa, I love the generosity of other writers. Pay it forward makes many of the inevitable ups and downs so much easier to bear.
It does, and I’ve been really fortunate that so many writers have paid it forward to me.
Could I BE a British movie star in my other life? That would be swell. I prefer white wine and milk chocolate…
Hmmm. Never thought of that. I suppose you could…would you be Kiera Knightly or Colin Firth?
Liz, I have not been able to read as much as I would like because os my hectic life, but this book sounds like I must take the time to read it,if I am picked, I will read it no matter how busy I get.
Thank you Liz for trying to help me get back to reading again.
anthony
Danielle and Anthony, thanks for stopping by! Hope the random number generator picks you!
You have a great blog and I think it’s awesome that you are giving away books!
Liz, I am hoping that my husband, who looks like a cute British movie star, will go to the grocery store and get me chocolate and red wine (as I prepare to enter the menstrual hut it is in his best interests to keep me happy).
If I may digress, there is a website called Facedouble where you can insert a photo of yourself or your man and find out which 10 celebrities you most resemble. WARNING: If you put in a postpartum photo of yourself where your face is still fat, your # 1 match will be with Geena Davis. You can also see which 10 male celebrities you most resemble. Good fun for those who are snowbound!
Your book will have the honor of being the first work of fiction (for adults, not children) that I read (pron. “reed”) since I read (pron. “red”) Middlesex in 2004.
Linda
Linda, I don’t think my face has changed much since my last ‘baby’ six years ago! Hoping you got your chocolate and red wine, and I’m so glad you will read my book! (I have a stack this high next to my bed — if you ever find the time in your crazy busy life, I have plenty of great books for you to borrow!)